Hong Kong / Kuala Lumpur, 11 September 2025 — Malaysia’s leading low-cost carrier AirAsia is engaging in active negotiations to purchase the C919, the latest single-aisle jet developed by Chinese state-owned manufacturer COMAC. If finalized, the deal would mark the first overseas airline order for the aircraft, giving COMAC a significant breakthrough in its global ambitions.
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes confirmed the discussions during the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. He noted the move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to tap into the Southeast Asian market—which has a population of roughly 700 million—and to leverage growing business and trade linkages between ASEAN nations and China.
The C919 is designed to compete with well-established aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families. It has a seating capacity of up to 192 passengers and a range of about 5,555 kilometres.
Fernandes did not disclose how many jets AirAsia is considering purchasing, or the pricing terms. However, the interest is viewed as part of a broader trend: strengthening aviation ties between China and ASEAN are already visible in the data, with China’s civil aviation regulator reporting about 2,552 weekly scheduled passenger flights connecting China and ASEAN countries—an increase of about 8.3% year-on-year.
Strategic Implications for AirAsia, COMAC and ASEAN Aviation
The potential order could significantly alter dynamics in the Southeast Asian aviation industry. For COMAC, securing its first overseas buyer would affirm its ambition to challenge the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus in highly competitive short- to medium-haul aircraft markets. For AirAsia, acquiring C919 jets could offer advantages in costs, leasing, maintenance, and supply chain alignment—assuming support infrastructure, pilot training, and regulatory approvals align.
Moreover, this could signal a shift in ASEAN’s aircraft procurement strategy—one increasingly open to domestically-produced or regionally-aligned aircraft types, especially as trade, aviation liberalization, and bilateral connectivity expand. It also reflects growing confidence in China-ASEAN aviation corridors, not just in terms of passenger traffic, but also in industrial cooperation and aviation infrastructure.
Still, important hurdles remain. AirAsia and COMAC must negotiate order volumes, delivery schedules, financing terms, safety and certification compliance, spare parts logistics, and service networks. Also, airline operators and regulators will be watching carefully whether the C919 can match up to the reliability, cost efficiency, and resale value associated with established aircraft.
